This Chilean Spanish slang phrase literally translates to 'not knowing where the bus is going'. It is used metaphorically to describe a person who is confused, lost, or does not know what to do in a particular situation. Examples Spanish: Estoy tratando de entender la nueva política de la compañía, pero realmente no sé para […]
Chilean Spanish
Chilean Spanish has a great deal of distinctive slang and vocabulary. Some examples of distinctive Chilean slang include gallo/a (guy/gal), fome (boring), pololear (to go out as girlfriend/boyfriend), pelambre (gossip), poto (buttocks), quiltro (mutt) and chomba (knitted sweater). In addition, several words in Chilean Spanish are borrowed from neighboring Amerindian languages.
In Chile, there are few differences between the Spanish spoken in the Northern, Central and Southern areas of the country, although there are notable differences in zones like Aysén, Magallanes, (in the border with Argentina) Chiloé, or Arica (especially in their accent).
The verbal voseo combined with the pronoun tú -for example: tú sabís, tú tenís, tú hablái, tú vivís, etc.- is the kind of voseo is the predominant form used in the spoken language. - Source: Wikipedia
Here are all our articles about Chilean Spanish slang, language, dictionaries, expressions, culture, and other general topics:
no salvar a nadie
A phrase used to describe someone who is very critical and doesn't approve of anything or anyone. Literally translates to 'doesn't save anyone'. Examples Spanish: Eres demasiado crítico, no salvas a nadie. English: You are too critical, you don't approve of anyone.
no sé cuantito
A colloquial term used when a person does not have a precise number or amount, equivalent to 'I don't know how much/little' in English. Examples Spanish: ¿Cuánto dinero te debo? No sé cuantito. English: How much money do I owe you? I don't know how much/little.
novio
A term used to refer to a boyfriend or a fiancé. It can also mean groom in the context of a wedding. Examples Spanish: Mi novio me dio un hermoso regalo de cumpleaños. English: My boyfriend gave me a beautiful birthday gift.
nuca de fierro
A term used in Mexico to describe someone who is extremely stubborn, insisting on their own way. Literally translates to 'iron neck'. Examples Spanish: Mi hermano es una nuca de fierro, nunca cambia de opinión. English: My brother is a 'nuca de fierro', he never changes his opinion.
ñurdo
A Spanish slang term typically used in Mexico, 'ñurdo' is used to describe someone who is clumsy or uncoordinated. Examples Spanish: No puedo creer que derramaste tu bebida, eres muy ñurdo. English: I can't believe you spilled your drink, you are very clumsy.
o sea
A filler phrase often used in conversation, similar to 'in other words', 'like', 'I mean', or 'so'. It is also used to express frustration or to correct someone. Examples Spanish: O sea, no puedes simplemente ignorar las reglas porque no te gustan. English: I mean, you can't just ignore the rules because you don't like […]
ojito de gato
The term 'ojito de gato' is a Spanish slang that literally translates to 'little cat's eye'. It is often used to describe a type of flirtatious look or a seductive glance. Examples Spanish: Cuando entró a la fiesta, me lanzó un ojito de gato que me dejó sin aliento. English: When she walked into the […]
ojo al charqui
A Chilean slang phrase literally meaning 'eye to the jerky'. It's used to warn someone to pay attention, be careful or watch out for something. Examples Spanish: Ojo al charqui, parece que va a llover. English: Watch out, it looks like it's going to rain.
olor a rodilla
An informal phrase used in some Spanish-speaking countries to refer to someone who is not active or doesn't go out often. Literally translates to 'smell of knee', implying that the person is always in a sitting position, hence their knees are rubbing together and producing a smell. Examples Spanish: Juan nunca sale de su casa, […]
once
In Spanish slang, 'once' is not a term by itself but is often used as a part of the phrase 'echando los once,' which is slang for grabbing a bite to eat or having a snack. Examples Spanish: Después del trabajo, vamos a echar los once en esa nueva cafetería. English: After work, we're going […]
ondulais
A slang term derived from '¿Cómo andan ustedes?' which means 'How are you all doing?'. It is typically used in informal settings among friends or peers. Examples Spanish: ¡Hola, amigos, ondulais! English: Hello, friends, how are you all doing?
operado de los nervios
This is a Spanish slang term used to describe someone who is overly sensitive or easily upset. Examples Spanish: No te preocupes por su reacción, es que está operado de los nervios. English: Don't worry about his reaction, it's just that he is overly sensitive.
ordinario
In Spanish slang, 'ordinario' is used to describe someone or something that is vulgar, coarse, or lacking in manners or good taste. Examples Spanish: No me gusta salir con él porque es muy ordinario y siempre está diciendo groserías. English: I don't like going out with him because he's very crude and always saying swear […]
ostiones
In Spanish slang, 'ostiones' usually refers to falls, hits or blows. It can also be used to describe an embarrassing situation or a big mistake. Examples Spanish: Me di un ostión tremendo al resbalar en el hielo. English: I took a huge hit when I slipped on the ice.
oye
A casual way to get someone's attention, similar to 'hey' or 'listen' in English. Examples Spanish: Oye, ¿quieres ir a la playa mañana? English: Hey, do you want to go to the beach tomorrow?
Pac-man
In Spanish slang, 'Pac-man' doesn't have a specific meaning. It's usually referring to the popular video game character. However, in certain contexts, it can be used to describe someone who eats a lot, similar to the game character Pac-man who constantly eats dots. Examples Spanish: Juan come tanto que deberíamos llamarlo Pac-man. English: Juan eats […]
pachotadas
Pachotadas is a colloquial term in Spanish, primarily used in Spain, which refers to silly, nonsensical or ridiculous actions or behaviors. Examples Spanish: No puedo creer las pachotadas que hizo en la fiesta anoche. English: I can't believe the ridiculous things he did at the party last night.
padre Gatíca, predica y no practica
This slang term is used to describe someone who gives advice or lectures about good behavior but does not follow these principles themselves. It is similar to the English phrase 'Do as I say, not as I do'. Examples Spanish: No me gusta cuando Juan me dice que debería estudiar más, él es un padre […]
pagapeo
A term used to refer to the act of paying for someone else's expenses, especially in the context of dating or going out with friends. Examples Spanish: Juan siempre está en el pagapeo cuando sale con sus amigos. English: Juan is always footing the bill when he goes out with his friends.
pagar el pato
To take the blame for something one didn't do or to bear the consequences of others' actions Examples Spanish: Siempre tengo que pagar el pato por los errores de mis compañeros de trabajo. English: I always have to take the blame for my coworkers' mistakes.
pagar el piso
A phrase used to refer to the act of paying for something when you are the newest person in a group or workplace. It's a tradition where the newcomer is expected to treat the others. Examples Spanish: Como eres el nuevo en el equipo, tienes que pagar el piso y comprar el almuerzo para todos. […]
pago de chile
A Mexican slang term referring to payback or revenge. It is used when someone gets what they deserve due to their previous actions, often with a negative connotation. Examples Spanish: Después de tratar mal a todos, el pago de chile de Juan fue perder su trabajo. English: After treating everyone badly, Juan's 'pago de chile' […]
paila marina
Paila Marina is not a slang term. It's a traditional Chilean seafood dish that includes a variety of shellfish and fish, cooked in a flavorful broth. Examples Spanish: Vamos a comer una deliciosa paila marina en el mercado de pescados. English: We are going to eat a delicious paila marina at the fish market.
pailón
A slang term used predominantly in Ecuador, 'pailón' refers to a person who is clumsy, awkward, or foolish. It can also be used to describe someone who messes things up. Examples Spanish: No le dejes el vaso a Juan, es un pailón y seguro que lo tira. English: Don't give the glass to Juan, he […]
pájaro
In Spanish slang, 'pájaro' is often used to refer to a clever or cunning person. It can also be used pejoratively to describe someone who is strange or peculiar. In some regions, it is a derogatory term for a homosexual man. Examples Spanish: Ese pájaro siempre encuentra la manera de evitar hacer su trabajo. English: […]
palanquear
A colloquial term used in some Latin American countries, especially in Colombia, which means to support or help someone to achieve something. Examples Spanish: No te preocupes, yo te voy a palanquear para que consigas ese trabajo. English: Don't worry, I'm going to help you get that job.
palanqueo
In Spanish slang, 'palanqueo' refers to the act of persuading, convincing, or influencing someone to do something. It can also mean to manipulate or take advantage of someone. Examples Spanish: José es muy bueno en el palanqueo, siempre consigue lo que quiere. English: Jose is very good at persuading, he always gets what he wants.
palito en el poto
A playful and non-vulgar phrase used to describe someone who is acting stubborn, difficult, or hard-headed. Literally translates to 'stick in the butt'. Examples Spanish: Juan es un palito en el poto, nunca quiere hacer lo que le piden. English: Juan is a real stick in the mud, he never wants to do what he's […]
palo grueso
A colloquial term that can be translated as 'big problem' or 'serious trouble'. It's often used to describe a complicated or difficult situation. Examples Spanish: Estoy en un palo grueso, debo mucho dinero al banco. English: I'm in big trouble, I owe a lot of money to the bank.